468 Proceedings of the TtoynJ Irish Academy. 



I also place in this division the bronze matrix of the seal of the abbot of 

 the Augustinian monasteries of Trim and Durmagh, now Durrow.' The 

 matrix measures 2 by IJ inches, and has a loop for suspension on the reverse. 

 On the obverse it has the figure of an abbot, full face. He wears a kind of 

 fiat round cap and monastic robes. He holds a crosier in his right hand and 

 a book in his left. (Plate LI, fig. 1.) Inscription— 



t^ SiGiLt • M • ABBATIS • S • MAPJG DG TEYBI. 



On the reverse is the figure of an abbot turned sideways, with a tonsured 

 head, and wearing the same kind of dress ; he holds a crosier with both hands. 

 (Plate LI, fig. 2.) Inscription— 



1^ SI • M • ABB' • S • MAEie DG DVESIACT. 



The letter M appears to be the initial of the Abbot's name. 



The matrix was found at Lynberry, near Mullingar, about 1833. 



The two following matrices belong to the second class — ^i.e. official seals of 

 Abbots and Priors without the names of the individuals. 



Bronze matrix of the seal of the Abbot of the monastery of Canons Piegular 

 of Premontre, at Lough Ce, Co. Eoscommon.- This matrix has been east, and 

 I have no doubt that it is a forgery ; the effigy, which, being deeply cut, 

 would in the ordinary course be preserved from abrasion, is very indistinct, 

 while the lettering, though badly cut, shows little marks of wear. The 

 matrix is pointed oval, and measures 2^ by 1^ inches, and has a pierced 

 handle. It is stated to have been found on the strand near Galway. The 

 device represents the effigy of the abbot. He wears a mitre and chasuble ; 

 in his right hand he holds a crozier, and in his left a book. Inscription — 



* S ABBACIS SaCE CllICATIS + Dtt LOai] QVU 



There was a monastery on Holy Island, Loiigh Ce, in 1700 a.d. ; and this 

 was refounded in 1215 by Clarus MacMoyKn O'Moillchonry, Ai-chdeacon of 

 Elphin.' 



Bronze matrix; of the seal of the Cistercian abbey of St. Peter's at 

 Athlone.* The matrix has a looped handle, is pointed oval, and measures 

 If by 1| inches. It was found near the Shannon, and was presented to 



placed in a box, or purse, closed under the seals of three ' honest persons,' and in due course was 

 defaced, as we have said, by his heirs or executors." {" Companion to English History (Middle Ages' .' ' 

 F. P. Barnard, p. 123.) 



1 D.P.J., 1833, p. 408 ; ArchdaU, " Monasticon Hibemicum," 1786, toI. i, p. 393, and toI. ii, 

 p. 675. 



* Proc. Royal Irish Academy, vol. six, p. 371. 



^ Archdall, op. cit., Tol. ii., p. 614. 



' Archdall, op. cit., vol. ii, p. 600. 



